Fourteen students arrived in Nashville early June with high expectations of change, growth, and conviction. They were not disappointed.
Pastor and teacher Paul Barker describes effective campus ministers as: “authentic followers of Christ, who are continually increasing in professional development, leadership ability, and Christ-like character.”
That's what the School of Ministry, Nashville, trains its students to be. On August 12, they will finish their studies, ready to take what they’ve learned back to their respective campuses.
A few of them shared their experience, and some mentioned how much they've learned about the importance of knowing the Gospel.
Brian O’Hare from Jacksonville, Florida, claimed this was the most revealing discovery during his time at the school.
“I need to really, really know what the Gospel means if I’m going to preach it on my campus,” he said. “The Gospel is what I’m supposed to be preaching to myself first. Every single day. And then to the students and the people.”
As Steph Krueger from Calgary, Alberta, would agree, the school helped break down the Gospel into a simple and understandable form. Therefore, it can be shared in an effective way with anyone who comes near.
“[The school] gave me the ability to clearly articulate the Gospel and understand it for what it really is,” she explained.
Jonathan Polus from Los Angeles, California, is excited and encouraged that he's learning what he needs to face any situation and speak into the hearts of those on his campus.
“[Before] coming out to this school, there were so many different people on campus I wish I had the words to speak to and some of the context to be able to reach them in their situation,” he said.
Now he can.
The school is about equipping to transform lives of students on campuses. However, the campus ministers to-be need to undergo an internal transformation, one that, they say, breaks them down to their spiritual foundation. Then, they are built back up in Christ.
Rebekah Osteen, a School of Ministry, Nashville, 2010 alumna, encourages anyone who is even thinking about coming to the school to enroll.
“You’re going to get equipped, you’re going to get challenged and pushed and convicted,” she said. “God will use it to equip you with life skills, ministry skills…and give you relationships and friendships with people that will last a lifetime.”
If you’re going to be a minister in any vocation, whether you’re from Canada or from right here in Nashville, the students encourage you to come to this school.
For more information, contact som.nashville@everynation.org.
Check out this video for an inside look at what goes on at the School of Ministry, Nashville.
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